Pallet cover system

ABSTRACT

A system and method for a pallet cover system for covering and securing a load to a pallet, the pallet cover system comprising a cover sized to fit about and over a load on a pallet, a plurality of adjustable rods securable to the cover in a spaced apart arrangement, each of the plurality of adjustable rods being extendable between a first length and a second length so as to provide for a customizable coverage of the load by the cover, a plurality of clamp blocks securable to the pallet and to the plurality of adjustable rods, each of the plurality of clamp blocks having a first orifice formed in a top surface thereof and configured to interfit with a respective one of the plurality of adjustable rods, and at least one securing strap disposed along an exterior of the cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims priority to,U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/020,020, filed Jul. 2,2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to a pallet cover systemand, more particularly, to an apparatus and method of covering,protecting, and securing items stacked on a pallet with a reusablecover.

Typically, items stacked on a pallet are secured to the pallet on whichthey are stacked by means of a self-adhering plastic wrap, whichgenerally comes in a roll. Either a worker or a machine rotates aroundthe pallet to unroll the plastic wrap and wind it around the palletnumerous times in order to secure the items onto the pallet. Afterwards,the pallet is able to be transported via forklift or pallet jack forloading or unloading.

Once the pallet is transported to its ultimate destination, the plasticwrap is removed by cutting it with a razor, thereby rendering the wrapunusable for future pallet stacks. Because the plastic material adheresto itself when applied, it is impractical to attempt to unwrap theplastic wrap instead of cutting.

The obvious disadvantage with this conventional method of securing itemson a pallet is that the wrap is not reusable. As a result, not only isthe use of plastic pallet wrap not very cost conscientious, but alsoresults in substantial environmental waste. Another disadvantage withthis conventional method of securing items on a pallet is that theplastic pallet wrap is only applied to the sides of the stack of itemson the pallet. That is, the top of the stack of items is uncovered andsusceptible to water damage.

An additional disadvantage of this conventional method of securing itemson a pallet is that the use of plastic pallet wrap does not fullyprevent the stack of items on the pallet from shifting and falling fromthe pallet during transit.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a reusable cover to assist withsecuring a stack of items on a pallet. The reusable cover would allowfor the same cover to be used multiple times and, therefore, eliminatewaste associated with the application and removal of plastic palletwrap. In addition, the reusable cover would be able to cover all exposedsides of the stack of items, resulting in the ability to protect thestack of items from damaging elements, such as water, as well as frompossible theft or vandalism. The reusable cover would provide supportfrom every side to keep the stack of items from shifting and fallingfrom the pallet during transit. Further, it would be desirable to havethe height of the reusable cover be adjustable in order to accommodatevarying sizes of pallet loads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a pallet cover systemfor covering and securing a load to a pallet includes a cover sized tofit about and over a load on a pallet, a plurality of adjustable rodssecurable to the cover in a spaced apart arrangement, each of theplurality of adjustable rods being extendable between a first length anda second length so as to provide for a customizable coverage of the loadby the cover, a plurality of clamp blocks securable to the pallet and tothe plurality of adjustable rods, each of the plurality of clamp blockshaving a first orifice formed in a top surface thereof and configured tointerfit with a respective one of the plurality of adjustable rods, andat least one securing strap disposed along an exterior of the cover toapply a pressure to the cover and secure it to load.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a pallet coversystem for covering a stack of items on a pallet includes a reusablecover positionable over a stack of items on a pallet, the reusable covercomprising a fastening mechanism that provides for placement of thereusable cover over the stack of items and for closure of the reusablecover, and a plurality of sleeves formed on a surface thereof extendinggenerally along a height of the reusable cover. The pallet cover systemalso includes a plurality of adjustable rods positioned about aperimeter of the reusable cover, with each adjustable rods beingreceived within a respective sleeve of the cover to secure theadjustable rod relative to the cover, and a plurality of clamp blockssecurable to the pallet and to the plurality of adjustable rods, each ofthe plurality of clamp blocks having a first orifice formed in a topsurface thereof configured to interfit with a respective one of theplurality of adjustable rods, wherein the reusable cover is securedabout the stack of items and to the pallet via the plurality ofadjustable rods and the plurality of clamp blocks, such that the stackof items is held in place on the pallet.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method ofcovering and securing a stack of items on a pallet includes coupling aplurality of clamp blocks to the pallet at a number of spaced apartlocations on the pallet, mating a plurality of adjustable rods with theplurality of clamp blocks, with each adjustable rod being inserted intoa first orifice formed in a top surface of a respective clamp block,attaching a cover to the plurality of adjustable rods such that thecover is positioned over the stack of items on the pallet, closing thecover via a zipper included thereon, and positioning and tightening oneor more securing straps about an outer perimeter of the cover and aboutthe plurality of adjustable rods.

These and other advantages and features will be more readily understoodfrom the following detailed description of embodiments of the inventionthat is provided in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate embodiments presently contemplated for carryingout the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reusable cover system covering andsecuring items stacked on a pallet, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reusable cover system covering andsecuring items stacked on a pallet, according to another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the reusable cover system of FIG. 1including additional banner elements.

FIGS. 4A-4D are perspective views of a clamp block used to secure areusable cover to a pallet, according to an embodiment of the invention

FIG. 5 is a side view of a clamp block used to secure a reusable coverto a pallet, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one of a plurality ofadjustable support rods usable with the reusable cover systems of FIGS.1-3, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method and apparatus forcovering and securing items stacked on a pallet with a pallet coversystem including a reusable cover, adjustable support rods, and palletfasteners.

FIG. 1 illustrates a pallet cover system 10 including a reusable cover12 that covers and secures items stacked on a pallet 14, according to anembodiment of the invention. The reusable cover 12 covers the sides andtop of the stacked items in order to keep the items within protectedfrom water or other environmental damage. The reusable cover 12 may beconstructed of a material resistant to tearing, such as a heavy fabric,heavy vinyl, canvas, etc. In this embodiment of the invention, thereusable cover 12 is in the shape of a rectangle; however, one havingordinary skill in the art would recognize that the reusable cover 12 isnot limited to a rectangular shape, and could instead be formed in theshape of an oval, circle, triangle, etc.

Pallet cover system 10 also includes a plurality of adjustable rods 16located along the perimeter of the reusable cover 12, with each of theplurality of adjustable rods 16 being attached to a respective corner ofthe reusable cover 12. In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown in FIG.1, each of the plurality of adjustable rods is secured to the reusablecover 12 by way of sleeves 19 formed on the cover. That is, a pluralityof sleeves 19 are formed on an outer surface of the reusable cover 12,such as by being sewn on/to the cover for example, with each of theplurality of adjustable rods 16 being received within a respective oneof the plurality of sleeves 19 in order to secure the adjustable rod 16to the reusable cover 12. In alternative embodiments of the invention,the plurality of sleeves 19 may be formed on the interior of thereusable cover 12. In still other alternative embodiments, a series ofspaced apart and aligned rings or hoops could be provided on the cover12 into which the adjustable rods 16 are inserted, rather than acontinuous, full-length sleeve.

Each of the plurality of adjustable rods 16 is configured to bevertically adjusted in order to fit or match the height of a load (notshown) on the pallet 14—such that the pallet cover system 10 canaccommodate stacked items of a load having a variety of stack heights.The adjustability of the rods 16 allows the pallet cover system 10 to beconfigurable and useable with loads of numerous sizes/heights, such thatthe pallet cover system 10 is provided as a versatile system.

In addition to being inserted into sleeves 19, each of the plurality ofadjustable rods 16 is also inserted into a respective one of a pluralityof clamp blocks 18, which will be shown and described in further detailwith respect to FIGS. 4-5. More specifically, a bottom of eachadjustable rod 16 is inserted into a clamp block 18 so as to be securedtherein, with the rod 16 extending upwardly from the clamp block 18 to adesired height. The clamp blocks 18 allow the pallet cover system 10 tocouple to the pallet 14 and assist with positioning the adjustable rods16 about the pallet 14.

As further shown in FIG. 1, a fastening mechanism 22, such as a zipper,is disposed on the reusable cover 12 and spans from the bottom 24 to thetop 26 of the reusable cover 12, in order to open and close the reusablecover 12. It is contemplated that an alternative mechanism may be usedto open and close the reusable cover 12, such as buttons, snaps, etc.The fastening mechanism 22 allows the reusable cover 12 to be added toand removed from the load and provides for a secure closure of thecover.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one securing strap 28 isused to surround the outer perimeter of reusable cover 12 and the stackof items, as well as surround the adjustable rods 16. The securing strap28 provides additional support, pressure, and stability to the stack ofitems within the reusable cover 12. While FIG. 1 illustrates the use offour (4) securing straps 28, it is contemplated that more or less thanfour (4) securing straps 28 may be used. In one embodiment of theinvention, each securing strap 28 is a nylon strap that may be manuallytensioned by a worker (such as via a clamp/buckle on the strap);however, one having ordinary skill in the art would recognize thatalternative securing straps may be used, such as flexible rubber strapsor the like that provide tension when stretched.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the zipper 22 includes asecurity seal 34 fastened thereto, with the security seal being, forexample, a seal that would indicate if it had been tampered with. Asshown in FIG. 1, the security seal 34 is coupled to both zipper 22 andone of the securing straps 28 in order to prevent movement of the zipper22 when the security seal 34 is in place (and locked). The security seal34 prevents unauthorized access to the stacked items within the reusablecover 12 such that a customer would be able to be reassured that a thirdparty did not have access to the items once the reusable cover 12 wasclosed and sealed by the shipper. One having ordinary skill in the artwould recognize that the security seal 34 could alternatively beconfigured as a lockable mechanism that provides security for the loadwhen the pallet cover system 10 is positioned thereon.

In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1, an envelope box or displaypocket 32 is disposed on the outside of the reusable cover 12. Theenvelope box 32 allows for the storage of and easy visual access to thenecessary documents to track and organize the items stacked on thepallet 14 (e.g., a bill of loading). According to various embodiments,the envelope box 32 may be provided as a simple sleeve into whichdocuments can be inserted, or alternatively be provided with a closeablelid that can be secured to a pouch body to more securely enclosedocuments therein. If it is desired to view the documents within theenvelope box 32, the box may be formed of a transparent plastic thatprovides for viewing of the documents when inserted therein.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a pallet cover system 36 having reusable cover20 is shown according to another embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, the reusable cover 20 is in the form of an oval rather thana rectangular cover. As stacks of items may not always be in arectangular or square shape, the reusable cover may need to be in theform of an alternative shape, such as, but not limited to, an oval, toproperly secure the stack of items. As shown in FIG. 2, pallet coversystem 36 includes the same elements as pallet cover system 10. Forexample, pallet cover system 36 includes a plurality of adjustable rods16, a plurality of clamp blocks 18, a zipper 22 extending from thebottom of the cover 20 to the top of the cover 20, a security device 34,a display pocket 32, etc.

When the reusable cover is in a shape not having corners, such as theoval shaped reusable cover 20 of FIG. 2, the plurality of adjustablerods 16 are spaced around the perimeter of the reusable cover 20. Properspacing of the plurality of adjustable rods 16 allows for the reusablecover 20 to maintain its shape, while using the minimum adjustable rods16 to save cost.

Next, FIG. 3 depicts the reusable cover 12 of FIG. 1 according toanother embodiment, where the pallet cover system 10 includes additionalbanner elements 38 provided thereon. That is, this embodiment allows forat least one pallet banner 38 to be attached to at least one side of thereusable cover 12. The pallet banner 38 can be made of a rubber or vinylmaterial and display the logo of the items (e.g., of the particularitems, of a manufacturer of the items, of a seller/distributor of theitems, etc.) stacked inside the reusable cover 12 and on the pallet 14.A plurality of banner hooks 40 is used to secure each pallet banner 38to a side of the reusable cover 12—with one embodiment providing a hook40 at each corner of the banner 38. In an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, each banner hook 40 is coupled to a top or bottom end of oneof the plurality of adjustable rods 16, such as by way of a mating hole17 formed adjacent to the top and bottom edges of the rods 16, forexample.

The pallet banner 38 allows for bigger and brighter advertisement ofproducts than what can normally be provided by a box containing theproduct. The pallet banner 38 also allows shippers and distributors tosave costs by minimizing the product advertisement on each boxcontaining the product. Further, the addition of pallet banners 38 to astack of products allows shippers and distributors to save time andmoney by easily being able to identify the product on the specificpallet 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, multiple perspective views of a clampblock/pallet fastener 18 used for securing the pallet cover system 10 tothe pallet 14 are illustrated. A clamp block 18 is used for each of theplurality of adjustable rods 16, resulting in a plurality of clampblocks 18 attached to the pallet 14. Each clamp block 18 includes afirst orifice 42 formed in a top surface 44 thereof that is configuredto receive the respective adjustable rod 16 therein, and thus thediameter of first orifice 42 essentially matches that of a bottom end ofrod 16. In addition, a second orifice 46 is formed in a side surface 48of each clamp block 18. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4D,the second orifice 46 extends from the side surface 48 to the firstorifice 42 (i.e., meets with the first orifice 42) and is orientedperpendicular to the first orifice 42. Further, the second orifice 46 isconfigured to receive/house a through-pin 50 of the adjustable rod 16(the through-pin 50 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6.). That is, thesecond orifice 46 assists with securing the adjustable rod 16 within theclamp block 18. It is also contemplated that a means other than athrough-pin 50 may be used with the second orifice 46, such as a screwbeing threaded through second orifice 46 and mating with or providedpressure against rod 16, for example.

Each clamp block 18 is formed to include a recess or groove 52 formedtherein between a main body 53 and a bottom flange 55, with the recess52 configured to receive a top surface plank of the pallet 14 therein.In an exemplary embodiment, the recess may be formed to have a slighttapering thereto, such as a tapering of 5° for example, that creates a“wedge effect” where a top plank of the pallet 14 is wedged into therecess 52 as the clamp block 18 is pushed onto the pallet 14. In orderto better provide for positioning of the clamp block 18 on a plank ofthe pallet 14, a leading edge 57 of the flange 55 may be angled to guidethe clamp block 18 onto the pallet. Additionally, a bottom leadingcorner 59 of the body 53 may be chamfered to again provide ease inpositioning of the clamp block 18 onto a plank of the pallet 14. As aresult of the above features, each clamp block 18 is easily attached andremoved from the pallet 14 while still providing a sufficient clampingforce between the pallet 14 and clamp block 18.

As a further means of securing the clamp blocks 18 onto the pallet 14,once the adjustable rods 16 of the reusable cover 12 have been insertedinto the first orifice 42 of each of the clamp blocks 18, the clampblocks 18 are no longer able to be easily removed, as the adjustablerods 16 assist with holding the clamp blocks 18 in place. That is, theplacement of the adjustable rods 16 within sleeves 19 of the cover(FIG. 1) and in the first orifice 42 of the clamp blocks 18, along withthe retaining of the adjustable rods 16 and cover 12 in place via thesecurity straps 28 (FIG. 1) helps to secure the clamp blocks 18 relativeto the pallet 14, as the clamp blocks 18 are prevented from movingoutwardly and off of the pallet 14 when the pallet cover system 10 isfully positioned/installed on the load.

FIG. 5 shows the clamp block 18 according to an alternative embodimentof the invention. In this embodiment, the clamp block 18 includes awedge 54 located on the bottom surface 56 of the clamp block 18. Thewedge 54 is angled downwardly from a front edge 60 of a bottom flange 55of the clamp block 18 to a back edge 58 of the bottom flange 55 of theclamp block 18. That is, the width of the wedge 54 is wider at the backsurface 58 of the clamp block 18 and tapers as it approaches the frontsurface 60 of the clamp block 18—the front surface 60 being the surfaceof the clamp block 18 closest to the pallet 14. The wedge 54 assistswith securing the clamp block 18 to the pallet 14 by interacting with abottom surface plank of the pallet 14 and providing pressuethereagainst, making it more difficult for the clamp block 18 to slideoff of the pallet 14. It is recognized, however, that the wedge 54 couldtake any shape that aids in retaining the clamp block 18 on the pallet14.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the configuration of the adjustable rods 16 ofthe reusable cover 12 are shown in more detail, according to anembodiment of the invention. Each adjustable rod 16 includes a pluralityof sections 62, 64, which are pre-cut to a certain length. While FIG. 6depicts the use of two (2) sections 62, 64, alternative embodiments ofthe invention may include an adjustable rod 16 with more than two (2)sections 62, 64, such as three or four sections, for example. In oneembodiment of the invention, each section 62, 64 is pre-cut to four feetlong, but it is recognized that the sections could be pre-cut to anylength. It is also contemplated that each section 62, 64 of theadjustable rod 16 is made of a suitably durable material, such as, butnot limited to, metal, carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc.

In order for the adjustable rod 16 to be able to adjust its heightbetween at least a first length and a second length, the plurality ofsections 62, 64 are designed to interfit with each other. That is,adjustable rods 16 may be referred to as telescoping rods. For example,the plurality of sections 62, 64 are constructed so that the outerdiameter 66 of the upper section 62 is smaller than the inner diameter68 of the lower section 64. Therefore, the sections 62, 64 would be ableto be stacked within each other when adjustable rod 18 is positioned atits lowest height. In other words, when adjustable rod 16 is in acollapsed position the upper section 62 of the adjustable rod 18 isstored within the lower section 64, so as not to add to (orsubstantially add to) the height of the adjustable rod 16. Whenadjustable rod 18 is in an extended position (as shown in FIG. 6), uppersection 62 protrudes from the lower section 64, so as to add to theheight of the adjustable rod 18.

In order to provide for locking of the adjustable rod 16 in an extendedposition, each upper section 62 of the rod includes a spring pin 70 anda spring pin orifice 72 located at a bottom end of the upper section62—with the spring pin 70 mating with a spring pin orifice 74 formed inan adjacent rod section (e.g., lower section 64) at a top end thereof.The spring pin 70 extends through both spring pin orifices 72, 74, inorder to lock the section 62 in an extended position relative to section64. The spring pin 70 includes a thumb release to unlock the section 62from section 64 and return it to the collapsed position.

As discussed above, in order to lock the adjustable rod 16 within theclamp block 18, a bottom-most section 64 of the adjustable rod 16includes a through pin 50 designed to extend through the second orifice46 of the clamp block 18. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower section 64includes a through pin orifice 76 formed in a bottom end thereof—withthe through pin 50 configured to extend through the through pin orifice76 and into the second orifice 46. The through pin 50 includes a releasethat, when activated, allows the adjustable rod 16 to be removed fromthe clamp block 18.

Beneficially, embodiments of the invention thus provide for a moreefficient loading and unloading process for manufacturers anddistributors. The reusable cover allows for a quick packaging andunpackaging of a stack of products without the waste associated withplastic pallet wrap. Further, the reusable cover provides greaterprotection than the traditional plastic wrap and prevents the stack ofproducts from shifting or falling off the pallet during transport. Thus,additional time is not needed to readjust or restack the stack ofproducts on the pallet. In addition, the product banner allows forwarehouse workers to quickly identify which products are located onwhich pallets. These banners are able to be seen from far away to helpworkers identify which pallets need to be loaded or unloaded. Further,the security seal allows for those receiving and distributing theproducts to have confidence that the product has not been interferedwith by a third party.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a pallet cover system forcovering and securing a load to a pallet includes a cover sized to fitabout and over a load on a pallet, a plurality of adjustable rodssecurable to the cover in a spaced apart arrangement, each of theplurality of adjustable rods being extendable between a first length anda second length so as to provide for a customizable coverage of the loadby the cover, a plurality of clamp blocks securable to the pallet and tothe plurality of adjustable rods, each of the plurality of clamp blockshaving a first orifice formed in a top surface thereof and configured tointerfit with a respective one of the plurality of adjustable rods, andat least one securing strap disposed along an exterior of the cover toapply a pressure to the cover and secure it to load.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a pallet cover systemfor covering a stack of items on a pallet includes a reusable coverpositionable over a stack of items on a pallet, the reusable covercomprising a fastening mechanism that provides for placement of thereusable cover over the stack of items and for closure of the reusablecover, and a plurality of sleeves formed on a surface thereof extendinggenerally along a height of the reusable cover. The pallet cover systemalso includes a plurality of adjustable rods positioned about aperimeter of the reusable cover, with each adjustable rods beingreceived within a respective sleeve of the cover to secure theadjustable rod relative to the cover, and a plurality of clamp blockssecurable to the pallet and to the plurality of adjustable rods, each ofthe plurality of clamp blocks having a first orifice formed in a topsurface thereof configured to interfit with a respective one of theplurality of adjustable rods, wherein the reusable cover is securedabout the stack of items and to the pallet via the plurality ofadjustable rods and the plurality of clamp blocks, such that the stackof items is held in place on the pallet.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method ofcovering and securing a stack of items on a pallet includes coupling aplurality of clamp blocks to the pallet at a number of spaced apartlocations on the pallet, mating a plurality of adjustable rods with theplurality of clamp blocks, with each adjustable rod being inserted intoa first orifice formed in a top surface of a respective clamp block,attaching a cover to the plurality of adjustable rods such that thecover is positioned over the stack of items on the pallet, closing thecover via a zipper included thereon, and positioning and tightening oneor more securing straps about an outer perimeter of the cover and aboutthe plurality of adjustable rods.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with onlya limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood thatthe invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, theinvention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations,alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretoforedescribed, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of theinvention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention havebeen described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention mayinclude only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, butis only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pallet cover system for covering and securing aload to a pallet, the pallet cover system comprising: a cover sized tofit about and over a load on a pallet; a plurality of adjustable rodssecurable to the cover in a spaced apart arrangement, each of theplurality of adjustable rods being extendable between a first length anda second length so as to provide for a customizable coverage of the loadby the cover; a plurality of clamp blocks securable to the pallet and tothe plurality of adjustable rods, each of the plurality of clamp blockshaving a first orifice formed in a top surface thereof and configured tointerfit with a respective one of the plurality of adjustable rods; andat least one securing strap disposed along an exterior of the cover toapply a pressure to the cover and secure it to load.
 2. The pallet coversystem of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of clamp blockscomprises a recess formed therein configured to mate with a top surfaceplank of the pallet so as to secure the clamp block to the pallet. 3.The pallet cover system of claim 2 wherein each of the plurality ofclamp blocks includes a wedge formed on a bottom surface thereof, thewedge being angled downwardly from a front edge of a bottom flange ofthe clamp block to a back edge of the bottom flange such that the wedgeis wider at the back edge than at the front edge, the wedge interactingwith a bottom surface plank of the pallet to further secure the clampblock to the pallet.
 4. The pallet cover system of claim 1 wherein eachof the plurality of clamp blocks further comprises a second orificeformed in a side surface thereof, the second orifice extending from theside surface to the first orifice and being oriented perpendicular tothe first orifice; and wherein each of the plurality of adjustable rodscomprises a pin configured to interfit with the second orifice of arespective one of the plurality of clamp blocks to lock the adjustablerod within the clamp block.
 5. The pallet cover system of claim 1wherein each of the plurality of adjustable rods comprises a pluralityof sections that collectively form a telescoping rod extendable betweenat least the first length and the second length, each of the pluralityof sections having a different diameter such that a respective sectionis positionable within another respective section.
 6. The pallet coversystem of claim 5 wherein each of the plurality of sections of arespective adjustable rod comprises: a spring pin formed adjacent abottom edge of the section; and a pin hole formed adjacent a top edge ofthe section; wherein the spring pin of a respective section interactswith the pin hole of an adjacent section to secure the sections relativeto one another.
 7. The pallet cover system of claim 1 wherein the covercomprises a zipper extending from a bottom of the cover to a top of thecover, the zipper enabling the cover to be added to and removed from theload.
 8. The pallet cover system of claim 7 further comprising asecurity seal coupled to the zipper and a respective one of the at leastone securing strap, the security seal preventing actuation of the zipperwhen coupled to both the zipper and the at least one securing strap. 9.The pallet cover system of claim 1 further comprising an envelope boxformed on an outer surface of the cover, the envelope box constructed tostore documents therein related to shipment of the load.
 10. The palletcover system of claim 1 further comprising a pallet banner positionableover a portion of an outer surface of the cover, the pallet bannercomprising a hook positioned at each corner thereof; wherein an adjacentpair of the plurality of adjustable rods comprises a hook hole formed atboth the top and bottom of the rod, each hook hole configured to receivea respective hook of the pallet banner therein, such that the palletbanner is coupleable between the adjacent pair of adjustable rods. 11.The pallet cover system of claim 1 wherein the cover comprises aplurality of sleeves formed thereon configured to receive the pluralityof adjustable rods, the plurality of sleeves formed on an inside surfaceof the cover.
 12. A pallet cover system for covering a stack of items ona pallet, the pallet cover system comprising: a reusable coverpositionable over a stack of items on a pallet, the reusable covercomprising: a fastening mechanism that provides for placement of thereusable cover over the stack of items and for closure of the reusablecover; and a plurality of sleeves formed on a surface thereof extendinggenerally along a height of the reusable cover; a plurality ofadjustable rods positioned about a perimeter of the reusable cover, witheach adjustable rods being received within a respective sleeve of thecover to secure the adjustable rod relative to the cover; and aplurality of clamp blocks securable to the pallet and to the pluralityof adjustable rods, each of the plurality of clamp blocks having a firstorifice formed in a top surface thereof configured to interfit with arespective one of the plurality of adjustable rods; wherein the reusablecover is secured about the stack of items and to the pallet via theplurality of adjustable rods and the plurality of clamp blocks, suchthat the stack of items is held in place on the pallet.
 13. The palletcover system of claim 12 wherein each of the plurality of clamp blocksinclude a recess formed therein and configured to interfit with a topsurface plank of the pallet.
 14. The pallet cover system of claim 12wherein each of the plurality of clamp blocks has a second orificeformed therein that is oriented perpendicular to the first orifice, thesecond orifice being formed in a side surface of the clamp block andextending from the side surface to the first orifice; and wherein eachof the plurality of adjustable rods comprises a spring pin configured tointerfit with the second orifice of a respective one of plurality ofclamp blocks.
 15. The pallet cover system of claim 12 wherein each ofthe plurality of adjustable rods comprises a telescopic rod having anadjustable height, each respective telescopic rod comprising a pluralityof sections that each includes: a spring pin formed adjacent a bottomedge of the section; and a pin hole formed adjacent a top edge of thesection; wherein the spring pin of a respective section interacts withthe pin hole of an adjacent section to secure the sections relative toone another.
 16. The pallet cover system of claim 12 further comprisingat least one strap disposed along the outer perimeter of the reusablecover, the at least one strap providing tension about the cover and theplurality of adjustable rods.
 17. A method of covering and securing astack of items on a pallet, the method comprising: coupling a pluralityof clamp blocks to the pallet at a number of spaced apart locations onthe pallet; mating a plurality of adjustable rods with the plurality ofclamp blocks, with each adjustable rod being inserted into a firstorifice formed in a top surface of a respective clamp block; attaching acover to the plurality of adjustable rods such that the cover ispositioned over the stack of items on the pallet; closing the cover viaa zipper included thereon; and positioning and tightening one or moresecuring straps about an outer perimeter of the cover and about theplurality of adjustable rods.
 18. The method of claim 17 furthercomprising adjusting a height of each of the plurality of adjustablerods to a height approximate that of the stack of items, whereinadjusting the height comprises positioning and securing each of aplurality of sections of a respective adjustable rod relative to oneanother to set the height.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein attachingthe cover to the plurality of adjustable rods comprises inserting theplurality of adjustable rods into a plurality of sleeves formed on thecover.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein mating the plurality ofadjustable rods with the plurality of clamp blocks further comprisesinterfitting a pin of each adjustable rod into a second orifice formedin a side surface of each of the plurality of clamp blocks.